Veteran composer Shankar Ganesh hospitalised in Chennai after sudden illness

Veteran Tamil music composer Shankar Ganesh has been admitted to SIMS Hospital in Vadapalani, Chennai, after suffering sudden breathing difficulties. He is currently under intensive care, with doctors keeping a close watch on his condition.

According to media reports, Shankar Ganesh fell ill while travelling to Karur to attend the DMK’s grand festival. He was scheduled to sing a song at the event but had to be taken to hospital after his health worsened unexpectedly.

A composer who stayed active despite limited film opportunities

Shankar Ganesh has been one of the leading music directors in Tamil cinema for decades. Even at an advanced age, he has remained active, regularly performing at cultural functions and musical events.

Although film song opportunities have become fewer in recent years, he has continued to stay connected with his fans and display his musical skills on different platforms. His recent health scare has caused concern among admirers and the wider music community.

A journey that spanned generations of Tamil cinema

The composer began his career as an assistant to the legendary duo Viswanathan–Ramamoorthy. He went on to make his debut as a composer with the film Maharaasi in 1967. His rise to fame came with the MGR-starrer Aattukkara Alamelu, and he went on to carve out his own space in the industry, especially during the 1980s and 1990s.

Shankar Ganesh’s work was warmly received in several films, including Sivappu Malli, Chidambara Ragasiyam, Sattam Oru Iruttarai, Oorkavalan, and En Rathathin Rathame.